Kentucky Bathroom Labor Cost Index: 85.7
Kentucky wages against the U.S. average
| Occupation (SOC) | Kentucky mean hourly | U.S. mean hourly | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (47-2152) | $33.11 | $34.70 | -4.6% |
| Tile and stone setters (47-2044) | $22.36 | $28.49 | -21.5% |
| Electricians (47-2111) | $29.52 | $34.37 | -14.1% |
| Carpenters (47-2031) | $26.36 | $31.55 | -16.5% |
| Painters, construction and maintenance (47-2141) | $24.72 | $26.64 | -7.2% |
| Drywall and ceiling tile installers (47-2081) | $23.13 | $30.58 | -24.4% |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | $22.04 | $25.02 | -11.9% |
How Kentucky compares
Kentucky ranks 36th of 51 jurisdictions on this index, 10.6 points below the median state (96.3). None of the 7 occupations measured here pays above its national mean. The closest states on the index are Virginia (87.0) and Idaho (84.8).
How to use this index
The index is the unweighted average of Kentucky mean hourly wages divided by the national mean for the same occupations. A value of 85.7 means the trades that build bathrooms earn 14.3% below the national average here. Labor is roughly two thirds of a bathroom remodel bill, so a wage gap of this size moves the labor half of a quote, not the whole quote.
National project ranges, which apply to Kentucky as well, are in the bathroom remodel cost guide. The method, including which occupations are counted, is on the methodology page.
Compare quotes from Kentucky bathroom pros
Wages are one part of the price. Get quotes from Kentucky contractors through MyHomeQuote.
FAQ
Is bathroom labor more expensive in Kentucky?
On 2025 BLS wage data, bathroom trades in Kentucky earn 14.3% less than the U.S. average across 7 occupations. The widest gap is drywall and ceiling tile installers at -24.4%, the narrowest is plumbers at -4.6%.
What does a plumber earn in Kentucky?
The mean hourly wage for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters in Kentucky was $33.11 in May 2025, against $34.70 nationally, according to BLS.
Does the Kentucky index tell me what a contractor will charge?
No. It compares what trades earn, not what contractors bill. Kentucky sits 36th of 51 on wages, so the labor part of a quote starts lower than the national average, but overhead, insurance, materials, permits and profit are separate.
Other states
See the labor cost index for all 50 states and the District of Columbia.